Instagram Content Checklist & Strategy A. Instagram Reels – Checklist & Strategy 1. Hook & Structure ● Hook in the first 3 seconds : Use a bold visual, a surprising statement, or a question. Fletch App+1 ● Optimize length: Aim for 7–15 seconds for max completion, though longer Reels (up to 3 min) can work if truly engaging. Fletch App+1 ● Use a “replay” or loop-worthy structure: Design content that makes people want to rewatch. reap.video 2. Visual & Audio Quality ● Shoot in 9:16 vertical format , at least 1080×1920px. Fletch App+1 ● Use high-quality lighting (natural light, ring light) and stabilize your shots. reap.video ● Use clear audio; if you’re talking, make sure your voice is crisp and background noise is minimized. reap.video ● Upload from your camera roll rather than third-party apps to preserve video quality. outbrand.design 3. Text Overlays / Captions ● Add captions or text overlays because many users watch without sound. Fletch App+1 ● Keep text within Instagram’s “safe zones” (don’t put important text too close to edges). AdWeek ● Use bold, readable fonts with high contrast so your message is clear. Plang Phalla 4. Audio & Trends ● Use trending audio , but make sure it fits your message / brand. Fletch App ● Be quick to jump on trends—monitor the Reels tab daily to spot trending sounds / formats. brookeseidel.com+1 ● Use Instagram’s built-in editing features (stickers, effects, transitions) to keep content fresh and native. LinkedIn 5. Content Types (Mix It Up) ● Educational: quick tips, hacks, or mini-tutorials. Netsourcia ● Storytelling: behind-the-scenes, “before & after,” or brand journey. Netsourcia+1 ● Product demos: show how things work, or make “how to order / assemble / eat” style. Netsourcia ● Series: create episodic Reels (Part 1, Part 2...) to build continuity and retention. Netsourcia 6. Engagement & Algorithm Optimization ● Use 3–5 relevant hashtags: mix trending, niche, and branded tags. Later ● Write SEO-friendly captions: include key phrases / keywords, not just hashtags. outbrand.design ● Include a clear CTA : save, comment, share, follow. Netsourcia ● Encourage engagement: ask a question, prompt a poll, or create a challenge. Sprinklr ● Collaborate: use Instagram’s “Collab” feature to co-create Reels and reach new audiences. Plang Phalla 7. Authenticity ● Show behind-the-scenes, real people, real moments. Overly polished “ads” often underperform. Fletch App ● Be yourself: authenticity resonates. brookeseidel.com 8. Posting & Consistency ● Aim to post 3–4 Reels weekly for consistent growth. brookeseidel.com+1 ● Batch-create content: film multiple Reels in one go to maintain variety and save time. brookeseidel.com ● Analyze performance: use Instagram Insights to double down on what works. brookeseidel.com 9. Post-Publish Actions ● Immediately after posting: engage (like, comment), share the Reel to your Stories to amplify reach. (Reddit advice) Reddit ● Respond to comments quickly – early engagement helps the algorithm. Reddit+1 B. Instagram Static / Feed Posts Here’s a checklist for creating strong static posts (feed posts, carousels, image-based): 1. Hook & Visuals ○ Use eye-catching visuals (bright, high-quality photography or graphics) ○ Maintain consistent branding: color palette, fonts, style 2. Value Content ○ Educational / Evergreen: Tips, how-to, listicles, “did you know” ○ Inspirational / Story: Brand stories, customer stories, mission-driven posts ○ Entertaining: Quotes, memes, behind-the-scenes 3. Caption Strategy ○ Start with a hook (question, bold statement) to stop the scroll ○ Keep it concise but meaningful — algorithm rewards clarity. Social Media Dashboard ○ Include relevant keywords (Instagram is acting more like a search engine). outbrand.design ○ End with a strong CTA : ask a question, direct to link in bio, invite tagging friends 4. Hashtag Use ○ Use smart hashtag mix: trending + niche + branded ○ Limit to relevant tags — too many broad ones can dilute reach 5. Engagement ○ Encourage saves and shares: create saveable content (tips, infographics) Reddit ○ Respond to comments to boost reach and build community ○ Use user-generated content (UGC) or feature customer posts / reviews to build trust Reddit 6. Post Frequency & Timing ○ Maintain consistency: 3–5 feed posts per week (or depending on capacity) ○ Use analytics (Instagram Insights) to find your best posting times 7. Brand Voice ○ Use a consistent tone, visual identity, and messaging across posts ○ Tailor voice to your audience: friendly, educational, fun, etc. C. Instagram Stories – Checklist & Best Practices Stories are great for engagement, immediacy, and connection. Here’s a full checklist + strategy: 1. Use Interactive Stickers ○ Polls, questions, quizzes to engage your audience Adobe ○ Countdown stickers for events, product drops, or campaigns ○ “Ask me anything” or Q&A to solicit feedback, ideas, or build community 2. Add Music & Sound ○ Use background music or sound effects to set mood / tone. Adobe ○ Match audio to visuals (fun, energetic, calm, depending on the story) 3. Use Text & Graphics ○ Use text overlays to explain visuals or guide viewers through a narrative. Adobe ○ Employ GIFs, branded graphics, stickers to make stories more visually engaging ○ Make sure text is legible and in safe zones 4. Tell a Cohesive Story ○ Use multiple slides as a narrative: beginning → middle → end. Adobe ○ For more complex topics, think in terms of “story arcs” (ex: “How this product is made,” “Day in the life,” “New launch sequence”) 5. Brand Consistency ○ Stick to a consistent voice, color palette, and style. Adobe ○ Use your brand’s visual assets (logo, icons, patterns) to reinforce identity 6. Calls-to-Action (CTA) ○ Use “Swipe up” (or “Link” sticker), “Tap here,” “Vote now,” “DM us” — depending on your goal ○ Direct viewers to website, product page, or another content piece 7. Frequency & Timing ○ Post Stories regularly: daily or multiple times per week, depending on content capacity ○ Use Stories to amplify new Reels or Posts: share new Reel as a Story to drive views 8. User-Generated Content (UGC) & Community ○ Share customer reviews, UGC, tagging — this builds trust and engagement ○ Reshare mentions / tags from followers 9. Analyze & Iterate ○ Use Instagram Insights to track Story views, replies, sticker interactions ○ Test different formats: behind-the-scenes, tutorials, Q&A, daily snapshots ○ Rotate content themes: Engagement (polls), Education (tips), Announcement (drops), Lifestyle (day-in-the-life) D. Tips & Examples (Entertaining + High Value) ● Example Reels Idea: For a food brand, you could do a “30-second behind-the-scenes” of how your signature dish is made — fast cuts, close-ups, text overlay explaining each step, trending but tasteful music. ● Example Post Idea: A carousel “5 Myths About Fried Chicken” — slide 1: myth, slide 2: truth + value, ending slide: CTA (“Which one surprised you? Comment below!”) ● Example Stories Sequence: 1. Poll: “Which new menu item do you want to see next?” 2. Question sticker: “Tell us your favorite chicken hack” 3. Quick video: chef in the kitchen making the new item 4. Swipe link: “Pre-order now” or “Tell us what you think” E. Quick Wins / Fast-Acting Action Items Here are 3–5 things you can do right now to boost your Instagram performance: 1. Create a Batch of Reels Today ○ Film 3–4 short, value-driven Reels (tips, behind-the-scenes, quick recipe) and schedule them. 2. Optimize Hashtags + Captions ○ Audit your existing Reels / Posts: make sure you’re using 3–5 good hashtags + keyword-rich captions. 3. Play with Stories Stickers ○ Post a poll or quiz today. Use a “this or that” poll related to your menu, brand, or audience preferences. 4. Engage Immediately After Posting ○ Once you publish a Reel or Post, spend 10 minutes replying to comments, engaging with UGC, and sharing it in your Story. 5. Analyze & Repeat ○ Check your Instagram Insights for your best-performing content from the last week. Double down on formats / themes that resonated. Sources & Research Basis ● Adweek’s 2025 Reels tips AdWeek ● Outbrand’s Reels engagement guide outbrand.design ● Fletch App’s Reels best practices Fletch App ● Later’s Reels strategy for brands Later ● Sprinklr’s take on Reels + engagement algorithm Sprinklr ● Plang Phalla’s design & layout + consistency tips Plang Phalla ● Adobe’s guide on Stories engagement Adobe ● Reap.video’s high-quality Reel advice reap.video